Abstract:

Leucine rich repeat kinase two (LRRK2) is a widely expressed protein belonging to the Roco family of proteins, mutations in which have recently been discovered as a cause of familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite an array of interacting proteins having been identified across multiple cellular systems, LRRK2’s functional role remains to be determined. Manipulation of LRRK2 expression disrupts many Ca2+ dependent cellular processes. It, therefore, may act as an upstream regulator of initial Ca2+ signalling events, which could explain LRRK2’s widespread effects. The central aim of this study was to determine whether LRRK2 alters endogenous voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channel function in PC12 cells using whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Additionally, transiently transfected PC12 cells underwent epifluorescence imaging to identify morphological changes and identify any effects of L-type Ca2+ blockers on morphology.

Overall, this study has identified a novel effect of LRRK2 on CaV channels, which may explain how LRRK2 has such widespread cellular effects and advances our understanding of LRRK2s functional role. If the effect of LRRK2 on CaV channels is responsible for pathology, CaV channel blockers currently being investigated for Parkinson’s therapy may be particularly effective in Parkinson’s patients harbouring LRRK2 mutations.

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